Judith Elizabeth Lipovetz

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Judith (Judy) Elizabeth Lipovetz, age 87, of Roseville, Minnesota, formerly of Hibbing, Minnesota. Judy passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025.

Born on February 16, 1938, in Hibbing, Minnesota, Judy was the beloved daughter of Carl Rudolf Johnson and Ida Marie Johnson (née Johnson). She was a lifelong learner, a fierce competitor, and a proud nurse. Judy’s passions included: tennis, reading, bridge—where she achieved the status of Life Master—and traveling the world. Above all, she cherished her roles as daughter, wife, mother and grandmother.

Judy graduated from Hibbing High School and Hibbing Community College, becoming a Registered Nurse later in life. Her commitment to service was evident through decades of membership at the United Methodist Church in Hibbing, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and delivered countless “Meals on Wheels.” Judy preferred to care for others outside of formal organizations or charities. Some of these special friends were older some were younger some were men and some were women it didn’t matter, if you were in that circle you were cared for.

She is survived by her children: Jennifer (Chris) Penwell of Whitebear Lake, MN; Jerry (Andrea) Lipovetz of River Falls, WI; and Jeff (Tifini) Lipovetz of Mahtomedi, MN. Judy leaves behind seven grandchildren—Maddy, Sam, and Michelle (Corey); Rudy and Joe Lipovetz; Grace and Ryan Lipovetz—great-grandchildren, Elliana Hedman and Sutton Walz, and chosen granddaughters Riley Walz, Trinity Swims, and Talliah Swims.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband Jerry, her parents Rudy and Ida Johnson, and her in-laws Louie and Eunice Lipovetz.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, January 7th, with visitation beginning at 4:00 PM and a reception to follow at Bradshaw Funeral Home, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children's Minnesota by clicking the link here.

Judy lived a fun life full of adventures which she shared with the love of her life husband Jerry. They were the perfect match of complimentary traits to build a great life for these two Hibbing kids and their three children. She overcame physical challenges too numerous to name and was still driven to learn and better herself till the day of her passing on Christmas eve which although sad was quite appropriate as she loved Christmas and gave her family the best Christmas’s ever.